The headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) in Ghana has been suspended over allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students. The suspension was announced by the Ministry of Education on October 13, 2026, following a report by JoyNews. The allegations against Zakaria Abdulai, the headmaster, include the sexual assault of a 20-year-old Form Two student on July 25, 2026. The student reported the incident to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.
The incident led to a series of events, including the closure of the school on August 5, 2026, after students reported finding a fetus buried near the school's refuse dump and accused the headmaster of being behind it. Some students attacked the headmaster and vandalized school property, resulting in six students being arrested. The school reopened on September 18, 2026, for new students, but continuing students were still at home. The government has since announced that it will pursue both administrative and legal processes while putting measures in place to protect students.
An investigation by JoyNews and journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni revealed that complaints about the headmaster's alleged misconduct had been made to school management and education authorities months before his suspension. The Obuasi West Municipal Director of Education, George Alfred Koomson, confirmed receiving complaints from five female students in March 2026. The school's Girl Child Coordinator and safeguarding teacher had also petitioned management in February, asking for an impartial investigation.
On October 20, 2026, the headmaster denied the allegations, claiming he did not know some of the students who had accused him and alleging a conspiracy against him. He admitted giving money to a student but claimed it was for medical expenses. The allegations against him have not been proven in court. Two education directors, Dr William Amankrah Appiah and Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, were asked to step aside on October 20, 2026, to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
The police investigation has reached the Attorney-General's Office, with the docket being forwarded on October 22, 2026. The Attorney-General's review is expected to guide the next steps. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has also sent a support team to Obuasi to provide medical and psychological help to the affected students. Gender Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey acknowledged that some students were reluctant to speak publicly for fear of victimization and stigma.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has confirmed that the headmaster's interdiction remains in force and has dismissed reports that he had been cleared. The GES has also directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education to take over the running of the school. The government's response to the allegations has been criticized, with many questioning how earlier complaints were handled and whether education authorities acted quickly enough to protect students.
As the school reopens to continuing students, the government has assured that measures are being put in place to protect students. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and protection of students in Ghana's schools. The case is ongoing, with investigations still underway.
Key points
- The headmaster of Obuasi SHTS was suspended over allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students.
- The allegations against the headmaster include the sexual assault of a 20-year-old Form Two student on July 25, 2026.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety and protection of students in Ghana's schools.
